Case Study: Retrofitting An Old Office Building to Reduce Energy Costs

Client

A leading manufacturer sought to improve energy efficiency in a two-story office building constructed in 1990. Facing rising heating costs and pressure to meet ESG goals, the company partnered with IoT experts to implement a smart retrofit that would deliver measurable savings without requiring major infrastructure upgrades.

Challenges

The building was heated using traditional radiators that relied on manual adjustments. Without a structured heating schedule or tools to manage temperature settings based on occupancy, energy was often wasted—especially during unoccupied hours or in spaces with inconsistent use. The lack of automation, outdated infrastructure, and inefficient energy use resulted in unnecessarily high operating costs during colder months.

Solution

The company installed LoRaWAN® Smart Radiator Thermostats on more than 100 radiators throughout the building. Thanks to their 99% compatibility with existing radiator valves, the devices were retrofitted quickly and cost-effectively, avoiding the need for a complete overhaul of the heating system.

Once integrated with Clarity’s IoT platform, the thermostats enabled automated heating schedules that responded to real-time conditions such as room occupancy, open windows, and ambient temperature. The system also tracked temperature, humidity, and usage trends, giving facility managers better insights and control.

Results

The solution delivered a 30% reduction in heating costs—the investment paying for itself within the first heating season. By adapting heat delivery to occupancy and environmental conditions, the company was able to minimize energy waste without compromising comfort.

This energy optimization also contributed to a smaller CO₂ footprint, helping the organization progress toward its sustainability and ESG targets. With real-time data and remote control capabilities, the company now manages its building more efficiently.

Key Takeaways